Mr. Ray Allen Nelson's Obituary
Funeral Service for Ray Allen Nelson, 81, of Goodwater, Alabama, will be Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 3:00 pm at Oak Chapel Baptist Church. Rev. James Wilcox and Bro. James Morgan will officiate. Burial will follow in the Oak Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 26, 2023 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm at Oak Chapel Baptist Church.
Ray Allen Nelson was born on May 12, 1942, in Goodwater, and passed away on August 23, 2023, in Alabama. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who devoted his life to his family and faith.
Ray is survived by his wife, Eddie Hampton Nelson of Goodwater; his sons, William Allen "Al" Nelson (Carlene) of Augusta, GA and Gregory Lee Nelson (Tippa) of Deatsville, AL; step-daughter, Stephanie H. Jennings of Alexander City; and step-son, Thomas Michael Hampton (Yvette) of Alexander City. He was a cherished grandfather to Christopher Allen Nelson (Jessica), Joshua Lee Nelson (Ranae), Matthew Nelson (Jessica), Tyler Michael Hampton (Kelsey), Jackson Jennings, Christopher Jennings (Heather), Justin Cotney, and Josh Cotney. Ray was also a beloved great-grandfather to Jensen Ray Nelson, River Kell Nelson, Carson Hunter Nelson, Colton Lee Nelson, Rylee Ann Hampton, Lilly Hampton, Daxton Cotney, Dayton Cotney, and Everlynn Jennings; he was a beloved brother to Roy Dean Nelson, Donald Wayne Nelson (Carol), Jack Curtis Nelson (Mona). He was preceded in death by his father, Lee Allen Nelson, mother, Hazel Dean Nelson, daughter, Emily Elisha "Lisa" Nelson, grandchild, William Bradford Nelson, first wife, Memory Annis Saxon Nelson, and siblings Betty Jean Nelson Culver, Michael Arnold Nelson.
Ray received his Associate Degree from Southern Union State Community College. He worked diligently as a Maintenance Superintendent at Kimberly Clark, where his colleagues respected his work ethic and commitment to excellence. Ray was also a Deacon at Oak Chapel Baptist Church, where he served his community with unwavering faith and dedication.
His interests reflected his love for the outdoors and his family. Ray found peace in preparing the hunting property, hunting, and fishing. He was happiest when he was spending time with his family. He was a true servant and lived an exemplary Christian life, leading by example and showing kindness to all he met.
Described by those who knew him as loving, faith-filled, and courageous, Ray was a beacon of light and strength for his family and community. His courage was not one of bravado, but the quiet, steady kind that comes from deep faith and love for others. His faith-filled life was a testament to his relationship with God, and his love for his family was evident in his every action.
Ray Allen Nelson's life was marked by service to his community, devotion to his family, and a steadfast commitment to his faith. He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and courage. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
As Ray always reminded us "The best is yet to come."
The family accept flowers or memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes Children Hospital.
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